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4 Best Online Colleges with Online Degrees in Clinical Research

Written by College Cliffs Team At CollegeCliffs.com, our team, comprising seasoned educators and counselors, is committed to supporting students on their journey through graduate studies. Our advisors, holding advanced degrees in diverse fields, provide tailored guidance, current program details, and pragmatic tips on navigating application procedures.

Reviewed by Linda Weems I got started researching colleges and universities about 10 years ago while exploring a second career. While my second career ended up being exactly what I’m doing now, and I didn’t end up going to college, I try to put myself in your shoes every step of the way as I build out College Cliffs as a user-friendly resource for prospective students.

Updated: November 4, 2024, Reading time: 12 minutes

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Clinical research is best defined as the study of health and illness among people. Researchers conduct key laboratory analyses in clinical research, which is a sector of the health sciences.

Online Degrees in Clinical Research - fact

Did you know that around $7 billion in clinical trials are spent annually in the US as part of pharmaceutical research funding? Such statistics present how clinical research is of utmost importance in the nation.

In clinical research, existing products are also studied to determine potential adverse effects that may harm people through usage.

No matter what you’re studying or observing, all these steps are necessary to treat, prevent, or diagnose any disease. In hospitals and clinics, clinical researchers are responsible for all the tests carried out daily by medical laboratory technicians. Others pursue the Clinical Research management track.

As healthcare and clinical research takes paramount importance, now’s the best time to become part of this sector! Your role as a clinical research associate, clinical research coordinator, and clinical research scientist involves testing new treatments in order to gain approval for them.

For those who love research and innovation and want to contribute to healthcare, pursuing online Clinical Research programs is the first step to becoming clinical research professionals!

The Lowdown

Online degrees in clinical research prepare you for developing and conducting clinical trials. As a result of the knowledge and skills you acquire, you are able to work in a variety of areas, including research ethics, management of research projects, and regulation of medical devices.

To enhance patient care, oversee and participate in clinical research operations, and test new healthcare products, many organizations conduct clinical research. Join this industry by first being equipped with an online BS in Clinical Research.

Methodology

Enroll in an online bachelor’s degree in Clinical Research from some of the best universities and colleges in the nation! We selected each Clinical Research degree and school with these factors in mind:

Access more information on our ranking process on our Methodology page.

College Cliffs is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

4 Best Online Colleges with Online Degrees in Clinical Research

Campbell University

Campbell University - Adult and Online Education

Online Bachelor of Science in Clinical Research

Campbell University is among the best universities that offer an online Bachelor of Clinical Research Program. This online degree provides students with a solid foundation in anatomy and physiology, scientific research, product development, and clinical trials in all fields of clinical research. 

Clinical research assesses the safety and efficacy of treatments, drugs, vaccines, and medical tools. Clinical researchers must contribute to medical advancement and patient care.

This online degree is designed in eight-week accelerated sessions to accommodate adult learners’ busy schedules. Courses vary from semester to semester. Clinical research is non-laboratory based, focused on people, and encompasses the complete spectrum of safe and beneficial applications.

Before prescribing and administering products to the general population, clinical researchers examine them to determine their efficacy and safety.

What’s Unique About this Program:

There is a significant demand for competent clinical monitors and study coordinators, which is why the program is designed to prepare professionals for entry into one of the health-related professions with the fastest current growth rates.

You will learn about data management, clinical trial management, and monitoring procedures as part of the clinical research program.

You will learn how diseases are disseminated and how to identify the groups at risk during your training in clinical research, as well as the mechanics of diseases and their effects on our bodies. You will study and learn about the psychological and social effects of the disease as part of the program’s curriculum.

Did You Know?

The clinical research program is the oldest program in this part of the country and one of only two undergraduate clinical research programs in the state. You gain a wide knowledge base in the essential subject areas necessary for the profession.

Benefit from the program’s connections to and closeness to the Research Triangle Park, the nation’s second-most densely populated location for clinical research.


The George Washington University

The George Washington University

Online Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences: Clinical Research Administration

Within George Washington University’s online Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences in Clinical Research Administration, faculty will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to contribute to the fast-growing field of clinical research, which examines the efficacy and safety of new medications, devices, diagnostics, and treatment options through research.

This bachelor’s degree completion program builds on the fundamentals of clinical research concepts, applies bioethical principles, and more.

The BSHS degree requires students to complete 120 college credits overall. The 45–60 college credits they can transfer from another institution count toward the general education and advanced standing requirements.

To fulfill the major’s prerequisite courses and the academic residence requirement, students must complete at least 60 college credits at GW.

What’s Unique About this Program:

This online degree is best suited for those who desire to work in the clinical trials sector to guarantee that prospective new therapies, technologies, and treatments adhere to the rules. Rest assured, you will finish this program as a graduate with self-discipline, commitment, and self-direction.

Since every course is offered online in a convenient, asynchronous style, you can complete your bachelor’s degree while still fulfilling your obligations in life.

Did You Know?

Kent State University Online

Kent State University - Online

Online Bachelor of Science in Public Health: Clinical Trials Research

Students who earn a Bachelor of Science in Public Health: Clinical Trials Research are prepared to work as Clinical Research Associates or Clinical Trials Managers. Enroll at Kent State University and get ready to enter the clinical research industry in no time.

For students interested in epidemiology and health research, this emphasis is perfect. The field of clinical research is expanding, and there is a possibility for progress with expertise. Students who earn a Bachelor of Science in Public Health are generally prepared to work as public health professionals or to enroll in graduate school. 

The emphasis of the Clinical Trials concentration is to teach students the epidemiological techniques that are employed in clinical trials.

Students are given a complete understanding of the management of research studies, the scientific literature pertaining to medications, medical devices, and other novel therapies, and the federal guidelines for carrying out clinical trials through the curriculum.

Students are equipped to create and respond to research questions, gather and manage data, and present research findings to audiences in both the scientific and lay worlds. An internship might give you the practical knowledge you need for clinical research. 

What’s Unique About this Program:

Students are prepared for careers in some of today’s most exciting health fields through the College of Public Health at Kent State University, including emergency management, disease investigation, health services administration, occupational health and safety, environmental risk assessment, global health, and many others.

For students at all phases of their careers, from entry-level and mid-level to senior management or advanced research, they provide academic programs that serve as a pathway to entering healthcare or clinical research.

Did You Know?

In order to address the major issues in global public health, students understand the importance of multidisciplinary approaches and collaboration. In addition, they have the ability to focus on a specific component of global health.

Graduates are equipped to work in entry-level public health jobs for local, regional, national, or worldwide public health organizations in the public and private sectors.


University of North Carolina Wilmington

University of North Carolina Wilmington

Online Bachelor of Science in Clinical Research

Students enrolled in the University of North Carolina Wilmington’s Bachelor of Science in Clinical Research program are prepared to create novel medicines to alleviate disease and improve quality of life by developing a comprehensive knowledge of scientific, legal, and commercial aspects.

Regulatory agencies like the Food & Drug Administration examine new medicines in clinical studies before approving them for marketing. In addition to looking for uncommon or unexpected adverse reactions in approved products, clinical research also evaluates products that have already been approved for sale. 

Students in the Clinical Research program acquire a thorough knowledge of the scientific, legal, and commercial facets of creating novel medicines to treat disease and enhance the quality of life.

Although the required applied learning takes place during an on-site internship at a clinical research facility, the courses are offered online. There are only 60 students accepted each year due to competition.

What’s Unique About this Program:

The core clinical research courses must be taken in order. All these core courses prepare students for careers in clinical research. Before declaring a major, students should organize their coursework, deadlines, and sequencing with their adviser in order to complete the prerequisite courses. 

Did You Know?

For every week that UNCW is in session, the student is required to fulfill the required number of hours for their internship. There are some on-site requirements for this online degree. However, during university breaks, holidays, and throughout the test period, students are not obligated to attend the internship. 

Benefits of Going Into Clinical Research

As long as people desire tailored treatment options when they are sick, there will always be a need for clinical research specialists.

Clinical research, put simply, is the process of running tests to confirm the effectiveness and safety of pharmaceuticals prior to their widespread distribution while continuing to abide by all applicable regulations.

For pharmacological therapies to be officially introduced to the market, researchers rely on these trials and studies. If you’re on the fence about whether to join this field, discover the following benefits of going into the clinical research study:

Help Others

If you have the heart and the calling to help others, in particular in the area of health and life quality, clinical research is a great career to pursue. In this area of employment, you help test medicines and medical procedures that could save lives before they are made available to the general public.

Your work in clinical research directly contributes to people getting the medical care they need based on the research and studies you help with.

Clinical research associates are in charge of working on these trials, whether the therapies in issue are brand-new or comprise drugs that have already been approved for use.

Access to Helpful Resources

The good news is that most online universities and colleges now have sufficient resources that will be beneficial for you as you pursue a career in the field.

You’ll be able to take in-depth courses on trial management, medication safety, and research protocols based on high-quality curriculum and well-structured programs.

Improve Your Learning and Growth

In this dynamic sector, there is a lot to learn. There won’t be any two studies you work on that are alike, and as clinical trials are likely to become more digital in the upcoming years, there will always be a new skill or technology to master.

Due to the high level of collaboration in clinical research, you’ll have many opportunities to hone both your soft and hard skills.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is Clinical Research?

Clinical research is a medical inquiry into patients. Creating new knowledge about human biology or human health is the overarching goal of clinical research. Study types in clinical research include clinical trials and observational studies.

Why do scientists conduct Clinical Research?

Researchers discover novel approaches to avert, detect, diagnose, treat, and control illnesses through clinical research. Most of the knowledge people currently have about medications and illnesses comes from research.

New medications are being created, and they could have benefits over current ones. Smallpox, polio, diphtheria, tetanus, and childhood leukemia are just a few of the once-common and fatal diseases that have been eradicated thanks to immunizations and antibiotics.

You can participate in this process by taking part in clinical research trials.

What jobs await Clinical Research majors?

After completing an online BS in Clinical Research, you can land jobs like a medical scientist or a clinical laboratory technologist. Others pursue the management or administrative side of the career path, depending on their focus of study, such as Clinical Research data management or Clinical Research Administration program.

The Labor Statistics Bureau explains that medical scientist jobs will have an increasing demand of 11%, and clinical laboratory technologists will have a 5% job increase respectively in the next decade. 

What advantages come from taking part in a Clinical Study?

The personal benefits of taking part in a clinical research study are not assured. You will go over any potential advantages with you as part of the consent procedure. Your contribution could benefit present and future patients as well as the advancement of medical knowledge.

Some research might pay you for your time.

Summary Points

Additional Information: